What sort of questions should I be asking and what shoud I be looking for?
2006-09-19 08:29:21 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
you want to ask about their latest OFSTED report, the experience of the school, if they accomodate for special needs and gifted and talented children, the main thing you want to know is the level of communication between home and school...
Good Luck
2006-09-19 08:34:13 · answer #1 · answered by TrudyForest 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You want to see the classroom - look for lots of displays. If they won't let you in the classroom run like hell
You want a heateacher with a sense of humour
The class teacher needs to be a cross between your best friend and your mother
The kids at the school should be open and friendly, not looking terrified
If you smell bleach or disinfectant that's a good sign
Ask how they accomodate children with special needs - if they are made welcome that's good news
You want them to bring the new children in a few at a time
You want to know what the school trips are this year - if they are expensive chances are you are funding the English budget
You want to know if they offer things like a sensory area, music therapy, tai chi, yoga - these are signs the school cares about the children
You want good locked in security at all times during school hours
You want to know if there are plenty of support staff in the classrooms
You want to look at school meal provision and are there rules about what you can put in a lunchbox
Lastly check the ofsted reports but don't be too swayed by them.
I say this because my kids are autistic, my son has been to 5 primary schools and he is only in year 4. His current school has a terrible reputation, but they offer all the things I have said, minimal cost school trips, lots of good experience etc. You need to have a good feel about the school, and look beyond what the staff are saying to you, don't go for the best school with the best reputation locally because schooltime is about much more than SATS results.
Good luck
2006-09-19 08:41:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends where you are. If you are the UK (yorkshire!) you would generally send your child to the local school or the one in your nearest area. Schools often take preference over children who live closer so if you choose a school further away it might be more difficult to get in.
Exceptions to this are religious schools where you are generally required to be practising the faith of the school to attend.
If in the UK, check out the schools Ofsted report and ask other parents in the area what they think of the schools. Also, ring the school - ask them for a 'welcome' pack or an information pack and def go for a visit - it will help you get a feel for the school. First impressions in schools always count.
As a teacher myself, that is what i'd suggest anyway!
Good luck. x x
2006-09-19 08:36:07 · answer #3 · answered by smileyscribe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Touring the school will give you a feel for the place, it's a bit like buying a house. You can tell by the feeling. Look at the wall displays. Are they well presented, labelled and cared for. Are they all art or are other subjects covered too. Watch out for the tidiness and general care of equipment and books and watch how children communicate especially with the teachers and the head. is it respectful and warm or are they strangers, etc.
In Scotland inspections of schools are carried out by HMI (Her Majesty's Inspectorate) and nurseries are inspected by HMI and the Care Commission. (Ofsted inspects in England and Wales.)
2006-09-19 08:45:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agree with previous answer - definitely read the OFSTED report - available from the internet. Visit all possible schools, they are usually more than happy to show you around. If they say no - don't go to that school! Ask to sit in on a lesson for a few minutes, see how they work and how the pupils are behaving.
2006-09-19 08:41:50 · answer #5 · answered by helen p 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a school has to, by using regulation, supply 24 hours word if a toddler is going to be stored at the back of after college. do no longer settle for the pinnacle's dismiss of "next time we are able to ring you". the college has broken the regulation. whinge to the interior sight education authority. Write to them. keep your letter sparkling and to the info. stay calm. faculties bounce up and down in case you do no longer stick to the guidelines, yet regularly do no longer stick to the regulation, no longer to show their very own rules.
2016-12-12 11:15:52 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The care commission in scotland holds inspection reports for each school nursery etc don't know if its the same in england etc.
2006-09-19 08:39:59 · answer #7 · answered by nicnic97365 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask about the schools policy on 'inclusion'.....how many "statemented" children are in the school and what is the schools policy with regards to discipline and 'exclusion'.
2006-09-19 08:44:47 · answer #8 · answered by 4 bo ding 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would suggest you look at their bulling policy and ofsted reports.
2006-09-19 10:01:18 · answer #9 · answered by craig807 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋